Man charged with Tauranga murder

The body of a woman - believed to be the mother of missing toddler Anna Sangha (pictured) - was found last night. Photo / Supplied

A man has been charged with murder after the body of a woman was found in a Tauranga house last night.

Police said the 23-year-old man had appeared in Counties Manukau District Court today and was remanded to reappear in the Tauranga District Court on June 10.

He has been granted name suppression until his next appearance.

A homicide investigation was launched after the woman's body was discovered in a house in the suburb of Otumoetai yesterday evening.

Inspector Mike Clement said the dead woman was a 32-year-old of Indian descent. Her full name will not be released until family overseas have been notified.

Meanwhile, police are "urgently" searching for 18-month-old toddler Anna Sangha, believed to be the woman's daughter.

Officers are searching neighbouring properties and the surrounding area, which includes schools and a salt marsh.

Mr Clement appealed to residents of Otumoetai to search their sections for any sign of the girl.

"We also can't rule out the possibility that Anna may be being looked after by friends or relatives, and if so, we ask them to contact us urgently," he said.

Anyone with information should contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300."

- NZHERALD STAFF

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